7 Best Small Towns to Retire in Tennessee in 2026

If your idea of retirement is more front porch and waterfalls than traffic and high-rises, Tennessee quietly checks a lot of boxes. You can spend a morning walking to a local coffee shop in a college town like Cookeville, cool off beside a waterfall at Cummins Falls or Burgess Falls, then end the week with wine at a family-run winery in Crossville.

This 2026 list looks at smaller Tennessee communities where retirees actually live: places with a hospital or medical center close by, grocery stores and senior centers in town, and enough theaters, parks, and trails to keep you busy after you’ve clocked out for good. Whether you’re drawn to golf in the Cumberland Plateau, historic streets near Memphis, or a tiny river town where the cashier at Dollar General learns your name, these are Tennessee’s best small towns to retire in 2026.

Cookeville

As the county seat of Putnam County, Cookeville is a blend of big-city charm with a small-town pace. Retirees here can stay connected with many urban amenities and attractions that make life entertaining. For example, seniors interested in staying active adore the Cummins Falls State Park and Burgess Falls State Park. These parks boast a combined area of over 600 acres with beautiful waterfalls reaching up to 250 feet in elevation, creating the perfect environment for a daily walk.

Retirees looking for a more timid experience can stay in town for the array of cultural and entertainment options abound. For a lesson in history, the Cookeville Depot Museum is the place to be, with exhibits retelling the town’s past. Or, opt for the Cookeville Antique Mall to take a bit of the past home. No matter how one spends the day, the evenings in Cookeville are reserved for the amazing drinking spots. Namely, the Tennessee Legend Distillery and Red Silo Brewing Company offer delicious spirits and a great ambiance for a fun day every day.

Amenities in Cookeville are also abundant, and one will find everything they need within the town’s boundaries. The Cookeville Regional Medical Center provides healthcare services for locals. The town is also well connected via many roadways like the I-40 and SR 111, making traveling easy. Even with all these benefits, Cookeville remains affordable, with a median housing value of $305,000, $15,000 less than the state average.

Crossville

Crossville is the county seat of Cumberland County and a fantastic place to settle down. The town of 12,000 is known for its Southern charm and rustic ambiance, palpable through every street. Retirees adore cultural destinations like the Cumberland County Playhouse and Military Memorial Museum, offering everything from stunning performances to historic exhibits. Meanwhile, those interested in the outdoors can head to the Cumberland Mountain State Park. The park features 1,700 acres of pristine wilderness, ideal for camping, hiking, and even golf. End the day with drinks and conversations at Stonehaus Winery; seniors will always enjoy their time in Crossvile.

Those who settle down in Crossville rejoice at having Cumberland Medical Center in town, complemented by a range of local clinics and specialist practices. There is also the Fair Park Senior Center, which hosts regular senior events, activities, and classes that keep the community involved. Even with so much to see and do, Crossville is one of the most affordable towns on this list, with a median housing price of less than $300,000.

Germantown

Germantown, as its name indicates, is a suburb founded by German immigrants that continues to carry its historical legacy. Visitors can explore Tennessee’s history through landmarks and cultural shows. Notable spots include Old Germantown near the historic railroad depot, featuring the 1868 depot and the 1851 John Gray House—perfect for historical exploration. For a more artistic encounter, attend a performance at the Germantown Performing Arts Center or the Tennessee Shakespeare Company, which offers intimate shows. Although these attractions are active year-round, the town truly energizes during Oktoberfest in October, celebrating German traditions with games, music, and drinks.

As a suburb of Memphis, Germantown offers easy access to world-class amenities and services. For example, St. Francis Hospital - Memphis provides healthcare services so seniors can rest easily. The town also has various retirement communities, such as Brookdale and The Village at Germantown, providing a great social circle and care for seniors. These societies are preferred by many retirees as Germantown has a slightly expensive median home value of $495,000

Gallatin

Gallatin, another historic destination, is an excellent choice for retirees settling in 2026. The town’s history begins with its founding in 1802 as the seat of Sumner County. Retirees can explore this history through visits to the Rose Mont or Douglass-Clark House. Rose Mont, built in 1842, is a Greek Revival-style home, while the Douglass-Clark House was among the earliest courthouses in the state. For those not interested in touring houses, the Sumner County Museum offers 10,000 square feet of exhibits ranging from prehistoric fossils to displays of homestead life.

While Gallatin’s past may be its selling point, the town is also an abode for outdoor enthusiasts. Bledsoe Creek State Park is a great example of this, covering roughly 160 acres of wooded hills and lakeshore along Old Hickory Lake. Whether retirees are hiking the park’s scenic trails or camping at one of its many RV and primitive campsites, they can have a blast under the sun. Moreover, as more than 17% of Gallatin’s population is over the age of 65, there is always someone like-minded to spend time with.

Maryville

Maryville offers retirees a peaceful escape from urban life while still providing essential amenities. As Blount County's county seat, the town features top-quality services across various sectors. Healthcare is served by the comprehensive Blount Memorial Hospital, which has a state-of-the-art emergency department staffed by trained professionals. The town also has an athletic center, storage facilities, and numerous grocery stores like Food City to meet everyday needs. Additionally, communities such as Parkview Senior Living and MorningView Village provide ideal options for accommodation, emergency care, daily meals, and wellness activities. With these amenities, over 18% of the local population are seniors, making it a welcoming place for retirees.

While the communities may feel laid-back, Maryville itself is a hub of youthful energy, perfect for a vibrant retirement. The local Maryville College brings in tons of students, so eateries, bars, and events are commonplace. Seniors who want to join the fun can stop by popular spots like Mr. Gatti’s Pizza and Bluetick Tavern for a fun evening of food and drinks. Or, they can attend one of the many local events, from the Smoky Mountain Nationals truck show each May in nearby Townsend to regular Battleship Bingo nights in downtown Maryville.

Waynesboro

Waynesboro attracts retirees from across the state with its affordable cost of living and scenic outdoor spaces. Situated along the Green River, the town features numerous parks and natural areas. Seniors can visit popular destinations such as Eagle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Bonnie Blue Farm, or Crazy Horse Recreational Park. Eagle Creek WMA is especially well-known, offering 22,000 acres for activities like hiking, camping, and small game hunting. Those who prefer non-hunting activities can enjoy Crazy Horse Recreational Park, which provides various outdoor experiences. Visitors can camp under the stars, rent a log cabin for a weekend, or canoe along the Buffalo River to enjoy the lush scenery.

Back in town, a community of 2,500 residents is always eager to greet visitors with a smile. Retirees will find plenty to enjoy, whether they are taking a quick trip to the local Dollar General for household supplies or staying active. They can maintain their health at Wayne Medical Center and participate in numerous sports and activities at the Waynesboro Sportsplex. Additionally, the town offers an affordable median housing value of $161,000, which is about half the statewide average.

Kingsport

Kingsport, with its 55,000 residents, is a popular spot for retirees. Located along the Holston River, it belongs to the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee and Virginia and offers plenty of amenities. Seniors looking for sports or swimming can safely enjoy the Kingsport Aquatic Center, which features a year-round indoor heated pool and an outdoor park—fun activities even alone. For a relaxing evening out, residents can visit the NCG Kingsport Cinema or Warpath Bowling Lanes. Whether bowling with friends or catching a movie, there's a variety of entertainment options available.

Ode to its diverse activities, Kingsport has transformed into a hub for senior citizens, with nearly 25% of residents in this age group. The town offers various amenities, including two hospitals and 120 sworn police officers, creating a safe and secure environment. Additionally, retirees can purchase their ideal home, as the median house value is an affordable $240,000.

Whether looking to get away from the world in Tennessee’s mountains or enjoy urban amenities in a small community, these towns have it all. Natural sights, cultural attractions, and historic landmarks all come together to create an environment that always has something new to offer. Moreover, many towns boast advanced healthcare, easy transportation, and affordable housing for a comfortable retirement in The Volunteer State.